Former UK swim coach settles intercourse abuse lawsuit

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – The University of Kentucky’s former swimming and diving coach settled a intercourse abuse lawsuit filed by two former swimmers final week, in line with court docket paperwork.

An order signed by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell on Thursday, Aug. 6, stated that Briggs Alexander and Jane Doe resolved all claims towards Lars Jorgensen and that every one claims towards him have been dismissed with prejudice.

The order doesn’t have an effect on the claims towards the remaining defendants—the college, former Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart and former coach Gary Conelly—within the lawsuit.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Lawsuit: UK allowed former swim coach to create ‘sexually hostile environment’
• Former UK swimming coach completely banned from teaching

The lawsuit was filed by Alexander and Doe in 2024 and alleged that Jorgensen created a “toxic, sexually hostile environment within the swim program.” It detailed quite a few incidents wherein Jorgensen was stated to have sexually assaulted the swimmers.

Jorgensen, who served as head coach from 2013-23, was underneath investigation for intercourse abuse within the swim program and recruiting violations, however he was allowed to resign quietly. He was paid $75,000 as a part of a settlement, in line with court docket data.

Jorgensen was banned from teaching in 2025 by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.